India has embarked on a significant initiative aimed at extracting rare earth elements (REEs) from mining waste, following the discovery of substantial quantities of critical minerals in coal mine dumps. Starting this month, a directive has been issued mandating all mining operations throughout the country—covering coal, mineral, and petroleum sectors—to conduct thorough tests on overburden, tailings, and other types of mining rejects for the presence of these valuable minerals.
The initiative builds on successful studies conducted at the Sathupalli and Ramagundam open-cast coal mines in Telangana, where researchers identified 1 kilogram of scandium and strontium in every 15 tonnes of clay. These studies were overseen by the Non-ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC), a government-backed organization. Operations for the extraction of these high-value elements from both mines are projected to commence in August, as confirmed by N. Balram, Chairman and Managing Director of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).
Scandium, a vital component in aerospace manufacturing, fuel cells, and high-performance sports equipment, and strontium, which has applications in alloys, ferrite magnets, vacuum systems, and even medical devices, underscore the government’s intent to enhance resource utilization. The initiative is focused on transforming previously overlooked mining waste into strategic assets.
This directive forms a crucial part of the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM)—India’s comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing dependency on imports while bolstering the domestic supply of essential minerals for sectors including electronics, defense, green energy, and advanced manufacturing.
In a proactive expansion, the exploration effort will extend beyond historically mineral-rich regions into all coal mines and waste byproducts from the petroleum sector. Government officials have confirmed that leaseholders of minor minerals will be required to disclose any critical minerals present as part of forthcoming reforms slated for early 2025.
Additionally, this initiative addresses rising concerns about vulnerabilities within global supply chains. With China recently halting exports of REEs, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal characterized this situation as a “wake-up call” for the global community. In response, India is actively seeking alternative sourcing opportunities in nations such as Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.
By unlocking value from mining waste and diversifying its sourcing strategies, India aims to position itself competitively in the global race for critical mineral independence.
